Start a Business

Fort Saskatchewan is committed to attracting, growing, and retaining business and industry. Whether you are a multi-national  corporation looking to expand, or an entrepreneurial startup, we can help you build success in a community that enjoys a high quality of life.

Download the Guide to Starting a Business in Fort Saskatchewan 

Apply for a Development Permit

Development Permit

A Development Permit is required for all Resident Businesses before obtaining a Business Licence. A Development Permit is written approval from the City that your business complies with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw.

Non-Resident Businesses do not require a Development Permit.

For more information on your Development Permit, contact Planning & Development.

Apply for a Business Licence

The City's Business Licence Bylaw requires all businesses operating within our community are required to hold a valid Business Licence.

  • A business license serves as a confirmation that a business complies with local laws and regulations.
  • Licences are valid for up to one year, expiring on December 31st.
Business Licence Fees

Licences are valid for up to one year, expiring on December 31st.

Fort Saskatchewan charges an annual fee for Business Licence. Fortunately, our fees are among the lowest in the province. The location of your business and the duration of your business activity will determine the required licence type.

Prorated licence fees are available for NEW businesses.

Business Licence Fees
Annual Business Licensing Fees
Licence TypeFee
Resident Business - A business which maintains a permanent Business Premises within the City limits $100.00/year
Non-resident Business - A business which operates in whole or in part, within the City's limits, but which does not maintain a permanent Business Premises within the City limits. $330.00/year
Temporary Business Licence - A Business Licence which is only valid for 28 consecutive days $104.00/28 days

Prorated Licence
Prorated Licensing Fees for New Businesses
Licence TypeJan - MarApr – JunJul – SepOct - Dec
Resident Business $100.00 $75.00 $50.00 $25.00
Non-resident Business $330.00 $247.50 $165.00 $82.50

Apply for a business licence

Online

Step 1: Create a Cityview Portal Account

  • Follow the instruction to create a Cityview Portal account. Creating an account requires a valid email address.
  • An email will be sent with an activation link.
  • Click the activation link to activate your account and apply for your business licence.

Step 2: Apply for a licence

  • Follow the link that was sent to you in the activation email.
  • Enter your email address and password.
  • Click on "Apply for a NEW Business Licence".
  • Follow the instructions to complete the seven step application.

In person or by mail

Step 1: Complete the Business Licence Application Form.

Step 2: Submit the completed form and make payment either in-person or by mail:

Planning & Development
City of Fort Saskatchewan, City Hall
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

Renew a business licence

Online

I have a Cityview Portal account

Step 1: Sign in to Cityview Portal

Step 2: Renew your licence

  • Click “My Items”, which can be accessed from the left hand side menu.
  • Click on “My Licence Applications,” under your Business Licence number highlighted in blue
  • Click
  • ‘Add Fees to My Cart.”
  • Click “Make Payment”
  • Follow the instructions to make payment.

I DO NOT have a Cityview Portal account

Step 1: Create a Cityview Portal account

  • Follow the instruction to create a Cityview Portal account.
  • Creating an account requires the email address you provided on your initial business licence application.
  • If you did not provide an email address or do not remember the email address you provided, please call 780-992-6227.
  • An email will be sent with an activation link
  • Click the activation link to activate your account and apply for your business license.

Step 2: Activate your account and make a payment

  • Once you have completed the Cityview Portal application, you will receive an activation email.
  • Click the activation link to activate your account and follow the instructions under "I have a Cityview Portal account".

In person or by mail

Step 1: Print off and complete the Business Licence Application Form

Step 2: Submit the completed form and make payment either in-person or by mail:

Planning & Development
City of Fort Saskatchewan, City Hall
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

Fee Exemptions

Non-profits, health professionals and professionals under POARA may apply for an exemption from business licence fees.

Non-Profits

To be eligible for a fee exemption, applicants will be required to submit the following information:

  • Name of the organization
  • Purpose of the organization
  • Organizational structure
  • A Confirmation of registration, a charity registration number or other government authorization
  • description of the activities that will be undertaken within the City

See the Business Licence Bylaw to see if you qualify for an exemption.

Non-profits applying for an exemption are NOT able to apply and renew online at this time. Please contact us directly to apply or renew.

Health Professionals

A regulated members and businesses owned by regulated members under the Health Professions Act of the Legislature of Alberta are specifically exempt from municipal licensing with respect to the practice of their profession, if they can provide proof of:

  • A certificate of registration from their health profession association
  • A copy of their Trade Name Registration Statement or a Corporate Registry Search for their registered business

The operation of a business which is not required for the practice of a regulated profession is NOT exempt. (Ex. If a doctor or dentist were to operate a bakery or retail store, the bakery or the retail store would not be exempt from business licensing.)

Health professionals applying for an exemption are not able to apply and renew online. Please contact us by email, by mail, or by phone to apply or renew.

*For statistical purposes, professionals operating in Fort Saskatchewan are encouraged to still obtain a Business Licence at no cost.

Associations and Colleges legislated under the Health Professionals Act

Professionals under POARA

Registered members of an association legislated under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act are specifically exempt from requiring a municipal Business Licence if they can provide proof of:

  • A certificate of registration
  • A copy of their Trade Name Registration Statement or a Corporate Registry Search for their registered business

The operation of a business which is not required for the practice of a regulated profession is NOT exempt. (Ex. If a Shorthand Reporter were to operate an auto repair shop, the auto repair shop would not be exempt from business licensing.)

Professionals under POARA applying for an exemption are not able to apply and renew online. Please contact us by email, by mail, or by phone to apply or renew.

*For statistical purposes, professionals operating in Fort Saskatchewan are encouraged to still obtain a Business Licence at no cost.

Associations legislated under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act